YOUTH LEADERSHIP OKLAHOMA
Youth Leadership Oklahoma (YLOK) is dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders by immersing high school students in a transformative, week-long journey across Oklahoma! Through hands-on experiences, in-depth discussions, and meaningful connections with other students from across the state, YLOK empowers young leaders with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our state. YLOK inspires students to envision a future in Oklahoma—one where they contribute, innovate, and lead.
Be a Sponsor for YLOK!
In order to keep this program at no cost to participants, we have to raise $130,000 each year to cover transportation, lodging, meals, snacks and all necessary materials.
Class 26 represents 27 counties and 44 different high schools across Oklahoma!
YLOK Class 26 Travel Schedule:
- May 31, 2026: Edmond
- June 1, 2026: Edmond > Oklahoma City > Lawton
- June 2, 2026: Lawton > Sulphur > Tulsa
- June 3, 2026: Tulsa > Stillwater
- June 4, 2026: Stillwater > Enid > Oklahoma City
- June 5, 2026: State Capitol for Mock Legislation & Graduation
Class 26 Reflections
“Youth Leadership Oklahoma was a challenging, eye-opening, and rewarding experience. Over the course of the program, we traveled hundreds of miles across Oklahoma, met leaders from different backgrounds, explored important issues facing our state, and learned more about ourselves as leaders. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone, helped me build meaningful friendships, and gave me a greater appreciation for Oklahoma and the people who work to improve it. ”
Isela Lopez
Skiatook High School
“My experience is one that I will never forget. This week was an outlet to allow for growth in skills of leadership, communication, stewardship, and trust. We became aware of the issues that face our state, and have acknowledged that we can help solve them.”
Andrew Frank
Norman North High School
“My experience was extraordinary in comparison to any other leadership experience I have gone on. No other time have I felt so connected to the people of Oklahoma, and I have such a great appreciation now for our state and services. The experience itself was fun, engaging, and very enlightening.”
Josie Ersteniuk
Mount St. Mary High School
“My experience at youth leadership Oklahoma was amazing. It was really an eye opening experience for me about how to be a leader in my state. It changed my perspective in many different ways ranging from what I want my occupation to be when I am older to how I should act as a leader in my state. Throughout the week I also met new friends that will only continue to benefit me as I go on to college and to the real world.This is a experience I will be forever grateful for, and I am really happy I got this experience”
Blaine Kirk
Heritage Hall
FAQs
What happens during the Youth Leadership Oklahoma experience?
Hands-on learning experiences, tours, role-playing, panel presentations, lectures, Q&A sessions, and other activities.
When is the weeklong session?
Class 27 will be from June 6-June 11, 2027
Why should you apply?
Our Youth Leadership Oklahoma program refines your leadership skills and expands your knowledge and awareness of Oklahoma’s treasures, issues, concerns, sources of pride, and goals for the future.
Who is eligible to apply?
High school juniors, or the home-school equivalent, who live in Oklahoma are eligible to participate.
Application Advice & Tips
- Copy & paste the questions into a word document. When you're ready, log back in and copy & paste your answers all into the application in one go-- sometimes the application will not save your answers properly, so this will ensure that it does.
- Tell your Recommenders to check their junk/spam folder for a request to complete their recommendation from "SmarterSelect".
- Once you've answered all of the questions and uploaded your transcript, you can "Submit" your application even if your recommenders are not done-- this will push your application into "Pending".
How much does the program cost?
Thanks to grants and the generosity of our wonderful corporate and private donors, this week-long program comes at no-cost for students!
How do you apply?
Applications will open in October 2026, so check back!
Who selects the Youth Leadership Oklahoma class?
The Selection Committee is comprised of Leadership Oklahoma alumni from across the state.
When will applicants be notified of selection status?
All applicants are notified in March of the application year whether they have been selected or not.
Speakers & Presenters
LEADERS FROM ACROSS THE STATE
During your week with Youth Leadership Oklahoma, you will meet elected officials, nonprofit leaders, company presidents, hospital administrators, museum docent volunteers, and many Leadership Oklahoma adult program graduates all working together from communities across the state.
Sponsors
